Expert Witness and Sworn Translator Service at the Land Registry

Sworn Translator Service at the Land Registry:

• Required Situations:
  • It is a legal requirement if one or both parties do not know Turkish during the title deed transfer.
  • It is provided to eliminate the language barrier in real estate buying or selling transactions of foreign nationals in Turkey.
  • In the presence of the land registry director or the authorized officer, the translator must completely and accurately translate the transactions and the content of the documents into the relevant foreign language.
• Features:
  • These translators are individuals who have been sworn in and authorized by a notary public or relevant judicial authorities.
  • The accuracy of their translations is officially accepted.
  • They are present at the land registry office, provide oral translation, and submit written translations of documents when necessary.
  • The aim is to ensure that all parties fully understand the content of the title deed transaction.
• Provision:
  • Land registry directorates generally do not employ in-house translators.
  • The relevant parties (usually the foreign buyer or seller) need to arrange for a sworn translator and bring them to the land registry office.
  • In some cases, a translator may be provided through the land registry, but this depends on the resources of the directorate.
  • Professional translation agencies like Akademi Tercüme Hizmetleri can provide this service.

Expert Witness Service at the Land Registry:

• Required Situations:
  • When the value of the real estate subject to the title deed needs to be determined (e.g., some taxation processes, inheritance transfer, etc.).
  • When technical or special information is needed about the nature, boundaries, or legal status of the real estate.
  • When expert opinion is required on zoning status, planning notes, structural features, etc.
  • When there is doubt about the accuracy or interpretation of the information in the land registry.
  • When an expert examination is requested by a court decision.
• Features:
  • Expert witnesses are individuals who have expertise and knowledge in the relevant field (e.g., civil engineer, surveying engineer, valuation expert, lawyer, etc.).
  • They can be appointed by courts or relevant official institutions.
  • They conduct examinations and prepare reports based on their knowledge and expertise.
  • The reports they prepare are official documents and can affect the course of the title deed transaction.
• Provision:
  • The request for an expert witness is usually made by the land registry directorate or upon the application of the relevant parties.
  • The expert to be appointed is selected from qualified individuals with the relevant expertise.
  • The expert witness fee is usually determined by the requesting party or by court order.

In summary:

• A sworn translator eliminates the language barrier, ensuring all parties understand the title deed transaction, and is mandatory, especially in transactions involving foreigners.
• An expert witness provides opinions and information in cases requiring technical or legal expertise regarding the real estate subject to the title deed.

Both services can be important for the smooth and legally compliant completion of title deed transactions. If needed, the land registry officials will provide you with the necessary guidance. Especially in foreign buying and selling transactions, arranging for a sworn translator is crucial for the fast and legal progress of the process.